Department for Culture Media and Sport

Channel Four Television

Lord Blencathra: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to bring forward legislation to remove the public-service conditions imposed on Channel 4 or to privatise it; and if so, when.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe: There are no plans currently to remove the public-service conditions imposed on Channel 4 or to privatise it. The Government is awaiting the outcome of Ofcom’s third review of Public Service Broadcasting before considering whether any changes are needed to the public service broadcasting system as a whole.

Channel Four Television

Lord Blencathra: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the impact that the sale of Channel 4 might have on the reduction of the United Kingdom deficit.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe: There are currently no estimates of what impact the sale of Channel 4 might have on the deficit, or any plans for a sale. Any decision about a sale of Channel 4 would need to balance the broadcaster’s public service obligations against its potential commercial value.

BBC: Royal Charters

Lord Blencathra: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the review of the BBC Royal Charter will consider (1) the number of radio stations, (2) the number of television channels, (3) restrictions on BBC online and digital local services, (4) the scope of the BBC's public service obligation, (5) replacing the licence fee with a subscription or other system, (6) decriminalising failure to pay licence fees, (7) the role of the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee in scrutinising the BBC, and (8) freedom of information obligations.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe: The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is currently considering a range of options for reviewing the BBC's Royal Charter and will make an announcement in due course.